The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform advanced nine bills on Apr. 29 aimed at reducing fraud and improper payments in federal programs. The committee’s action follows findings of widespread fraud in state-administered, federally funded programs in Minnesota and California.
According to the Government Accountability Office, annual losses from fraud in federal programs are estimated between $233 billion and $521 billion. Lawmakers say these measures are intended to protect taxpayer funds and strengthen oversight of government spending.
Chairman James Comer said, “The House Oversight Committee is delivering on its mission to root out waste and fraud by advancing real solutions to protect hardworking American taxpayers. These sweeping legislative reforms will stop fraudulent payments before they go out the door and ensure critical taxpayer-funded programs work as intended. Alongside the Trump Administration, the Oversight Committee will continue to fulfill its responsibility to crack down on fraud and hold those who steal taxpayer dollars accountable.”
Among the bills passed was H.R. 8463, which would require agencies to verify payment information with the U.S. Treasury before issuing funds, expanding use of tools like the Do Not Pay system. Comer said, “The Government Accountability Office estimates that the federal government has lost over $2.8 trillion dollars since 2003 to payments that should not have been made or were made incorrectly… This bill enhances and expands government financial integrity controls by requiring anti-fraud risk evaluations…”
Other legislation includes H.R. 8464 addressing preemptive safeguards against high-risk payments; H.R. 8312 establishing a permanent Inspector General for Fraud within Treasury; H.R. 8467 mandating ongoing agency risk assessments; H.R. 8428 creating a workforce training program for anti-fraud best practices; H.R. 8466 requiring emergency spending controls; H.Rs. 8340 and 1755 clarifying roles for agency financial officers and extending verification tools for states; as well as H.R. 8107 directing regular audits of state-administered federal funds.
Committee members emphasized bipartisan cooperation throughout development of these proposals, with several lawmakers highlighting continued efforts needed across agencies at all levels of government.
